Chickenpox Lesions in an Adult

A generalized pruritic, vesicular eruption on an erythematous base developed in a 34-year-old man.

His palms and soles were not involved.

The patient reported that he had had a low-grade fever, muscle aches, and malaise for 2 days before the rash erupted. He claimed to have had all requisite vaccinations and denied any childhood illness. Based on the clinical presentation, chickenpox was diagnosed.

The patient was unsure of when or how he had been exposed to the varicella-zoster virus. Although this patient had abundant lesions, no scarring or other complications occurred. His recovery was uneventful. (Case and photograph courtesy of Dr David L. Kaplan.)